2 NEWS Fresh bid lodged for private airstrip Swedish traveller leaves footprint on region A THIRD application is to be made for planning approval for an air strip and hanger by the owners of a tourist park. The Lake Saint Clair Nature Retreat is located at Wattle Range Council’s northern border. The owner’s original application for the structure at Bog Lane, Nora Creina, was declined when council’s Development Assessment Panel (DAP) met in Millicent in 2013. A revised application was submitted in June and met a similar fate. Panel members endorsed a staff recommendation that the application again be refused on account of the removal of native vegetation and the adverse impact on adjoining landowners. News of the third bid was provided to the latest DAP meeting in Millicent on August 21. A council planning officer advised that the June decision was appealed to the Environment Resources and Development Court. The officer said a preliminary conference was held and the appellant had proposed to lodge a third development application, amending the site of the proposed landing strip. An amended plan was presented to the DAP, which moved to not provide in-principle support. SOME light has been shed on the so-called “Shoe Tree”, which has long intrigued passersby in a remote farming location near Millicent. Dozens of pairs of shoes have decorated the tree on Delaney’s Road for around five years. Former Millicent resident Bec Woodman said she believed the “Shoe Tree” was a tourist and travellers’ tradition. “People that come and work seasonally leave either a shoe or a pair, take a photograph and move onto the next spot,” Ms Woodman said. “I believe it was started in 2009 by a Swedish guy. “I remember hearing his story at the Somerset Hotel in Millicent one Sunday night and I’ve seen a few now.” She said a similar tree was located near Mildura. When The South Eastern Times put the call out for information via our Facebook page, we attracted some tongue-in-cheek responses. “So that’s where all my lost shoes are,” one correspondent said. “I thought Ginger had chewed them, but they were hanging around all that time.” Our Facebook posting about the “Shoe Tree” has had around 1700 views. COBBLER’S CRAVING: The so-called “Shoe Tree” on Delaney’s Road near Millicent. 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Mr Pye has been a resident of Millicent for the past four years and is active in community groups such as the Men’s Probus Club, bowling club and the respiratory support group. He told The South Eastern Times he will provide his reasons for standing for council after his nomination papers are lodged. Originally from the United Kingdom, Mr Sullivan has strong family connections to the Millicent district and has made the area his home in recent years. “I am passionate about developing displays of arts and culture in Millicent as this will be a strong attraction to tourists,” Mr Sullivan said. “It is not acceptable to have empty shops in the main street. “I want to come on board council and we can turn it around in BID FOR OFFICE: Martin Sullivan the next four years. “I don’t want Millicent to be regarded as a town full of excuses and just living in the shadow of Mount Gambier. “This is not fair on our youth. “Millicent should have a liberal and forward-thinking outlook.” Mr Sullivan shared his vision with members of the Millicent Business Community Association at their meeting in Millicent this week. His late great, great grandfa- ther Tom McCourt was the first chairman of the District Council of Millicent early last century. The aspiring councillor has chiefly retired from his trade as CORCORAN CANDIDATE: Colin Pye. a qualified wheelwright. He is a British and Australian citizen and among his community interests in recent times have been the Millicent National Trust Living History Museum and the Art Lounge, which he promoted earlier this year at the Millicent Visitor Information Centre. He is a member of the Millicent Lions Club, the Company of Seven theatre troupe and the committee of the Millicent Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Society. Mr Sullivan is an accomplished pianist and regularly plays at public events at Millicent and Beachport. Dinner Only Includes Topping 643261 654405